PTSD

Common Condition

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder develops after experiencing traumatic events, causing flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. Treatable with therapy and medication.

Related specialists:PsychiatristPsychologist

Symptoms

Intrusive memories or flashbacks
Nightmares
Severe emotional distress
Avoidance of trauma reminders
Negative changes in thoughts and mood
Hypervigilance
Being easily startled
Difficulty sleeping
Irritability or anger
Feeling detached from others

Causes

1
Experiencing traumatic event
2
Witnessing traumatic event
3
Learning of trauma to loved one
4
Combat exposure
5
Sexual violence
6
Physical assault
7
Accidents
8
Natural disasters
9
Childhood abuse
10
Duration and intensity of trauma matters

Treatments

Trauma-focused psychotherapy
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
EMDR
SSRIs (sertraline, paroxetine)
Prazosin for nightmares
Group therapy
Family therapy
Self-care and support
Avoiding substances
When to See a Doctor

See a mental health professional if you have disturbing thoughts or feelings about trauma lasting more than a month, are severely distressed, or symptoms interfere with daily life.

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About PTSD

PTSD: Healing from Trauma

PTSD is treatable. Trauma-focused therapies like CPT and EMDR are highly effective. With proper treatment, most people see significant improvement and can move forward with their lives.

"Ang trauma ay maaaring magaling—huwag matakot humingi ng tulong."